Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Lucas Leads.

Lucas Glover leads the Zurich Classic of New Orleans after the completion of the second round at TPC Louisiana.

Lucas Glover / Graythen / Getty Images

Lucas shot a second round of -5 under par 67, to lead the Zurich Classic tournament by just one shot at -12 under par, from Boo Weekley.

After his round Lucas emphasized the importance of good putting;

“I’ve been hitting it good for a couple months and finally started making some putts. I mean I was hitting it as good as I can hit it, but at the same time, if you putt poorly!”

Boo Weekley kept in touch with the leader with a total of -11 under par, carding a second round of  -4 under par 68. Boo successfully holed out with a wedge from 105 yards for an Eagle on the par-4 10th, and that was his first hole of the round. He could not see the bottom of the flagstick, so had no idea that it had gone in;

“I couldn’t tell it went in because it’s got a little bit of an upper lip in the front of it. I saw it bounce, and then I didn’t see it no more. Then the people in the background started hollering and whooping, I was like, `Wow, that really went in.’ I didn’t believe it.”

In third place alone is D.A. Points, at -10 under par, Darren also had a second round of -4 under par 68, to stay within sight of the leaders.

Morgan Hoffman occupies fourth spot at -9 under par, with Ernie Els close behind him at -8 under par. Big Ernie was the runner-up here last year, losing out to Jason Duffner in a play-off. Jason is a little off the pace this year with a modest tournament total of -3 under par.

Ernie said he really likes the TPC Louisiana course lay-out, and is expecting to challenge again this year;

“I like the course, I obviously played well here last year and I’m just trying to set that same game plan and really wait for the course to come to me.”

Guan Tianlang, the 14-year-old Chinese amateur has completed the second round with a score of -3 under par 69,to go with his even par opening round, and has made the cut once again.  Two weeks ago in the Masters he became the youngest player to ever make the cut at Augusta National, and said Thursday that he will play in a U.S. Open qualifier in two weeks in Dallas. He reported that he played well;

” I think I played a very good round today. I made a lot of birdies and a couple of good up and downs.”

The 2011 winner here, Bubba Watson recovered well from his opening round of +1 over par 73, with a second round -7 under par 65 and tournament total of -6 under par. Bubba said that yesterday he was scared of the course;

” It was good, yesterday, I played really scared. I’m trying to play good. When you do that you don’t hit quality shots and you just struggle.”

 

TW World Challenge, Magnificent G-Mac Wins

Graeme McDowell, G-Mac/Dunn/ Getty Images

Graeme McDowell, G-Mac,  finished  with a 4-under par round of 68, and a tournament total of  -17 under par, to win the Tiger Woods World Challenge presented by Northwestern Mutual by three shots on Sunday. It was Graeme’s  first title in two years, he was determined to win as he held off the challenge of  Keegan Bradley. G-Mac was really happy with this result;

“This really caps off my season, we try not to put winning on a pedestal, but this one feels very sweet because it’s been a grind all year. Certainly I will draw some confidence from this one, the game hasn’t given me a huge amount this year. My dollar average around this country club is fairly high, I’m probably right up there in the top-five in the world in California, no doubt about it. We’ll have to look at playing a little bit more here on the West Coast. I’m over the moon to get the job done, for two years I’ve been saying things like processes and trying to get better and be patient and hopefully the wins will come. So I guess I got fed up with telling everybody that I’m playing well. I guess I’m relieved to get across the line and take some nice confidence into this little off period I’ve got coming up.”

Graeme won for the first time since he beat Tiger Woods in a playoff at Sherwood Country Club to close out a dream season in 2010, that included his first major at the U.S. Open and the winning point for Europe at the Ryder Cup.

Second placed Keegan Bradley was at -14 under par for the tournament after his final round of -3 under par 69. Bo Van Pelt finished alone in third spot at -10 under par, with a last round of -2 under par 70.

Tournament host Tiger Woods finished tied in fourth place at -9 under par, with Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler, Tiger admitted he had struggled a bit this week;

“I struggled with my game a little bit this week, I just managed myself well to get around in these conditions. It’s been a long year, and I’ve played a lot, and just really looking forward to a break. Just having nothing to do with golf for a few weeks, just put the clubs away, enjoy the holidays, be with my kids and just really enjoy that. Then after that I’ll start cranking back up again and start focusing on my shots.”

McGladrey Classic, Jim and Davis Share Lead after 54 Holes

 

Jim Furyk and Davis Love 111/Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Jim Furyk and Davis Love 111 share the lead at the McGladrey Classic at the 54 hole stage at the Seaside Course, Sea Island, Georgia. Both Jim and Davis had third rounds of -4 under par 66 to share the tournament total of -13 under par.

Jim said a win here at the McGladrey Classic could not erase the memories of his abject  failure to hold leads at the U.S. Open in June, the World Golf Championships,Bridgestone Invitational in August, and a 1 up lead over Sergio Garcia, with just two holes left to play in the Ryder Cup;

“I’m tougher on myself, I promise,  than anyone else is. So I’ve kicked myself 100 times already, and I’ve gotten over it. I can put it behind me and move on. There’s nothing I can do to change it. And nothing I do in the future is going to change it. I’m excited for this season to be over, only for the fact that I can turn the page and we can start talking about the future. If I looked at tomorrow as another chance to be judged in case I failed, you know, it’s been a tough year, but I could never look at it that way. It’s an opportunity for me to go out and win a golf tournament, and I’m not trying to make up for the rest of the year. What happened, happened. It’s over with. I can’t change it. I’m never going to feel good about what happened, but it’s done with. It’s an opportunity tomorrow to win a golf tournament, that’s the way I’m going to look at it.” 

Davis spoke about being able to separate his disappointment at the Ryder Cup result and playing his own golf, and also stopping Jim beating him;

“I can separate a lot of things, separate the Ryder Cup with its own experience. People were surprised I played the three weeks after, but I’d had some time off. I was ready to play. I haven’t played enough tournaments, so it’s nice to be back in the swing of things.  I’d love to keep him from it, we’re both very competitive. That’s why I picked him for the Ryder Cup team. He competes hard every time he goes out there and he gives you everything he’s got. I think it would mean a lot to both of us. It would be a pretty close tie.”

Tied in third place are D.J. Trahan and Arjun Atwal, two shots adrift of the lead after rounds of -4 under par 66, and -1 under par 69, respectively, for their -11 under par tournament totals.

Bud Cauley is alone in fifth spot after his third round of -2 under par, 68, and a tournament total of -10 under par.

It will be interesting to see if Jim and Davis spend too  much time looking at each other, and not noticing someone racing up behind them.

 

U.S. Open @ Olympic Club. Webb Simpson Wins, but he is over par.

  

Webb Simpson, 2012 U.S. Open Champion/ Franklin/Getty Images

Webb Simpson won the 2012 U.S. Open Championship at Olympic Club in San Francisco on Sunday, with a total score of +1 over par for the four rounds. His last round was a -2 under par effort that was enough to wrest the title out of  Jim Furyk’s grasp. Jim had led the tournament for most of the tournament, including most of the last round. Coming down the stretch an official warned him about slow play, and from that moment on Jim went into reverse, and finished with a final round of +4 over par, tied for fourth. Webb said at the end;

”I knew it was a tough golf course, I had to go out and do as well as I could.  I probably prayed more the last three holes than I’ve ever done in my life.  It helped me stay calm and get in with 2 under.”

Congratulations to Webb, but this win will reignite the discussion about the long putter, and whether the governing bodies should ban what is known as anchoring altogether. That ruling would affect the belly and the broomstick versions of the putter.

Graeme McDowell also faltered on the way in, he finished tied for second after a last round of +3 over par 73. Best round of the day went to Michael Thompson, the first round leader, he made a charge on the day with a beautifully crafted -3 under par 67, to finish tied for second with Graeme. What G-Mac or Jim wound have given for that score. Tied in fourth place with Jim were; David Toms, Padraig Harrington, John Peterson and Jason Dufner. Jason could have won this tournament easily, if only his putter had been working. I will have to contact Jason, to see if I could interest him in one of our White Dragon Putters.

Nobody else really came close, the desk jockey’s were determined to set up this course to be be as difficult as it could be. Wether it was a real test of good golf, or just down to someone getting lucky on the day, only the people who witnessed the carnage can attest. To reduce the worlds best players, to struggle to play par golf, is it a good idea ? No one was able to finish under par.

Tournament favorite Tiger Woods finished with a very disappointing round of +3 over par and tied for 21st with a final total of +7 over par. Not the result that he, or the hypers in the media were hoping for, it seems like Tiger is still not quite right yet to win another major. He said of his tournament;

“I didn’t really miss it that badly this week, the misses were just a fraction off, which is great. That’s what we want to have happen. This golf course is just so demanding that a fraction off, you pay the price. That first six, I just didn’t play well at all. I just could never get anything going positively and I missed the ball in the wrong side a couple times and that’s all it takes. There’s a lot of positives this week, hit the ball really well. Unfortunately, I just didn’t have the speed of the greens until today.”

U.S.Open @ Olympic, third round, two at the top. Furyk and G Mac.

     

There are now only two competitors under par after the third round of the U.S. Open at Olympic Club, Jim Furyk is still doggedly there, he is tied at the top with Graeme McDowell. Jim and Graeme are past champions, and know how to grind out a decent score on a difficult track.

Jim Furyk had his usual workman like round of even par 70 for his tournament total of -1 under par, while G-Mac recorded a -2 under par round of 68 to equal Jim’s 54 hole total.

Graeme thinks just about anybody could still win, he said;

“It’s wide open.”

Jim & G-Mac /Getty Images

Alone in third position is  Fredrik Jacobson, of Sweden, with his third round score of -2 under par elevating him up the leaderboard, finishing at +1 over par.

One of the best rounds of the day came from Lee Westwood, he shot a three under par 67, which could easily have been better, a couple of missed putts cost him dear. Lee is only now three shots off the pace at +2 over par, he is joined on that score by a former champion Ernie Els. Another good round tomorrow and Lee Westwood could be there at the end.

Lee Westwood /Shaw/Getty Images

They share that tied for fourth spot with Blake Adams, and Belgium’s big hitting Nicolas Colsaerts. Tiger Woods is tied 14th, after a lackluster third round of +5 over par, 75.  He will need an extraordinary round tomorrow if he is to contend the title, unless steady Jim Furyk falls over and gives him a hand. I think another par round for Jim tomorrow will see him lift the trophy. But someone could come up with a magical round, will be interesting to watch the jousting for position on Sunday. The course will be set up to be extra tough, as if it wasn’t hard enough already.

U.S.Open @ Olympic Club, first round carnage.

   

There was carnage at the first round of the U.S. Open at Olympic Club today, with only six players out of the entire field managing to get under par. At the top of the leader board on day one is Michael Thompson whose -4 under par round of 66 was by far the best round of the day.

There are five players tied in second place with a score of -1 under par on the day, they are; Tiger Woods, Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose, David Toms and Nick Watney, Nick was helped by an Albatross on the par five 17th.

Tiger was really happy with the way he played the course;

“Really excited how I was able to execute my game plan. In the practice rounds, I hit more woods off the tees because the ball wasn’t chasing as much. Today, it was quicker and the tees were somewhat up from where we played our practice rounds. Consequently, that’s 20 yards. Twenty yards is a lot. And all of a sudden, we’re in the steeper part of slopes and now we’re through dog legs. I had to make the adjustment.”

Tiger on the Prowl   How/Getty Images

Phil Mickelson was unable to make any adjustments and finished with a disappointing +6 over par and is in danger of not making the cut;

“I just let it continue, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get it stopped. That will be a good challenge for me, I’ve got to kind of wipe this round out.”

Following those guys are eight contestants who got round in par, the notables in this group include; Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar and Ian Poulter. Everybody else is over par, some are way over par, for instance Luke Donald could only muster a +9 over par round, and has probably played himself out of this tournament. Rory McIlroy was not much better at +7, and Bubba Watson crashed to +8 and must be regretting taking all that time off after his Major win, letting all his good form go rusty.

Bubba  appears to be down and out, lamenting the tough course layout;

“That golf course is too tough for me.”

Lee Westwood is hanging in there after his +3 opening round of 73, and should at least make the cut. It will be interesting to see if the other notables on the plus side of the scoreboard can put together a good second round to make the cut.

Young Chinese player Andy Zhang, 14 years old, managed to get round in the same score as world number one Luke Donald, at +9.

Bubba Watson looking forward to playing alongside Tiger & Phil at Olympic

Bubba Watson Redington/Getty Images

Bubba Watson is looking forward to joining up with Tiger and Phil at Olympic Club for the opening rounds of the U.S. Open. Although he admits it will be a little different;

“Two legends. One has won 70-odd time  and the other 40 times, obviously it’s going to be a little different. One is probably number one of all time and one is probably top five for sure. No intimidation, though. I’ve played with those guys before. Know them. Good friends.  I’m guessing we’re going to have big crowds, even with a tee-off time of 7.33 am that’s a given. Your mental focus, your preparation is different. Everything is heightened a little bit. Hopefully we step up our game. Hopefully I step up my game!  Obviously at the end of it, at the end of the week or the end of my couple of days of playing with them, you look back and you learn from them. “

“You watch how they handle their situation. You wonder how they handle a bad lie. You learn from two legends of the game, seeing how they go about their business. These are the people I grew up watching in high school. Now I’m getting to play with them.  It’s going to be like Sunday at The Masters. “

” We need to be on top of our game for 18 holes. I don’t want to come out here and shoot 80. There’s an 80 lurking. You’re going to make bogeys, not many birdies. It’s about trying to make par somehow. You know the US Open is going to challenge you in all aspects of your game. That’s the challenge for all of us this week.”

“Everybody starts asking questions and golf is the last thing. It’s been a tough road trying to get back to focusing on golf.  After missing a cut a couple of weeks ago I got mad enough and started practicing.”

16th Hole at Olympic is 670 Yards, can anyone get on in two?

 

Franklin/Getty Images

 

The 16th hole at Olympic Club is a par 5 now measuring an unbelievable 670 yards,the longest par 5 on the PGA TOUR. Not surprisingly this has caused a lot of debate among the professional players who will have to negotiate it, the press room, who can not understand the need for it, and of course the average golfer or gallery member who just thinks it’s nuts. The chances of anyone reaching the green on two are definitely remote, some say just getting there safely in three is a real challenge. At the end of the tournament I bet you will be able to count the number of birdies registered there on the fingers of one hand. The sharp dogleg left par 5 feels like a constant U-turn and of course the fairway narrows right at 300 yards from the tee box.

PGATOUR.COM Site Producer  Ryan Smithson thinks it is too much;

“  A 670-yard par 5 in that dense Bay Area air? Very few will hit the 300-yard barrier. Bubba claiming he slammed two drivers, and still had 60 yards to go? Where does it stop? Will it play 720 yards the next time a U.S. Open is held there? To me, that green isn’t meant for the Steve Stricker’s and Luke Donald’ of the world to hit 5-irons in. Two huge bunkers guard the front, and if the pin is placed anywhere near them, it will be all but impossible to get the ball close. Hello, bogey. There’s nary a quicker way to lose a U.S. Open than to put a ’6′ on your card.”

Phil Mickelson said;

“I’ve yet to have less than 200 yards on 16. I dont know where we’re hitting wedge on that hole.”

Louis Oosthuizen had some trouble during practice on that hole, he was looking at 240 yards for his third shot, he said;

“ It’s too risky, the neck there on that fairway or the green is what, 6-7 yards wide? You’re going to overrun it. If anybody is on the green in two this week, that’s something special.”

American Lucas Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open champion at Bethpage Black, got to play the 16th in his first practice round, and achieved about the best result anyone could hope for this week. He drove into the fairway, then absolutely hammered a 3 wood short, and with his third, floated the ball onto the green with a sand wedge and two putted for par. Lucas said of the hole;
“That hole is all you want. I don’t know that anybody, without a serious wind at their back, could get there in two. Getting there? Maybe. Getting the ball to hold? There’s no chance. It’s a three-shot hole for sure.”

The 17th hole is also a par 5, and USGA executive director Mike Davis expects both the 16th and 17th will decide who will become champion on Sunday afternoon. He said;

“Now with back-to-back par 5s, I think you will see the U.S. Open won or lost on those two holes.”

I think that is a shame, the test of golf should be over eighteen holes, not just with who gets lucky on two holes, seems like the longest hitters off the tee will prevail. Not the best golfer, the muscle man will win it. Not much chance then for world number one Luke Donald.

 

Arnold Palmer and 1966 US Open at Olympic

The Legendary Arnold Palmer Getty Images

Arnold Palmer spoke about his loss in the 1966 U.S. Open at Olympic to Billy Casper, this after he enjoyed a seven shot lead. and looked certain to win.

Arnold was speaking at the annual dinner by sponsor Rolex at the St. Francis Yacht Club near the Golden Gate Bridge, and told everyone of the moment when Billy, sometime early in the round, had crossed the fairway to talk to him;

“Arnold, if I don’t start playing a little better, Nicklaus is going to beat me for second.”

Arnold replied with;

” Don’t worry,’I'll help you.’”

The history books tell us just how much help Arnold gave to Billy Casper, Billy went on to win the tournament. Arnold then went on to encourage the younger players to interact with those around them who make the game possible.
” Spend time with volunteers and find out what they do, and to make friends with them.”

Of that agonizing loss Arnold simply said;
“It was not the end of my life, it may have been the beginning. I probably made more friends losing the Open than I would have winning. Don’t feel sorry for me, It wasn’t that bad.”

 

14-year-old from China gets into US Open

       

                         Andy Zhang Photos by Matt Ginella

Paul Casey has withdrawn from the U.S. Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, this opens the door for Andy Zhang, a 14-year-old from China to be what officials believe to be the youngest player in championship history.

Andy Zhang lost in a playoff at a sectional qualifier in Florida. He was the second alternate when the week began at Olympic Club. Brandt Snedeker also withdrew Monday, and Paul Casey pulled out because of a recurring shoulder injury, a legacy from his silly snowboarding incident.

Tadd Fujikawa, an American Japanese born in Honolulu Hawaii, had been the youngest in the modern era. He was 15 when he qualified for the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot.

Andy has booked a practice round tee time with Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson for seven Tuesday morning, and was already thinking of what was to come, and just  minutes after attaching his official player badge to the brim of his cap, Andy said;

“I do get nervous, actually. I will be with all these players I watch on TV, walking right next to them. It will be great. I will just try to enjoy it as much as possible. I want to play well, but just to play on a major championship course is great.”